Our Concept

Leaders face many challenges in their lives, whether in the church or in the marketplace. They face daily pressures to succeed, to project a certain image, to be ambitious, or to be productive at all costs, resulting in burnout or identity crises. Leaders also are tempted to compromise their integrity in an increasingly complex and corrupt world. And while perhaps expected in the marketplace, these challenges are sadly often present in the Ugandan church as well.

Across denominational lines, the gospel and the Christian life is too often described as for the purpose of improving our lives today, for the pursuit of success, wealth, and material gain according to each person’s desires – all without an eternal mindset. But Jesus warns that “where your treasures is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). Christ calls us to daily bear our own cross as we seek to live out His will for our lives and for His glory. God’s ultimate goal for us is to become Christ-like, and it is God’s work in us that gives us joy, contentment, confidence, and satisfaction in life.

May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

We live in an age that believes successful leadership is merely a combination of good methodology mixed with strong personality – yet they can lack some of the very necessary support, maturity and characteristics needed to be a successful leader. There is a fallacy that if only someone goes through leadership training, they will most certainly be an effective leader.

But the truth is, especially from a Christian worldview, a person’s character is what truly makes a great leader, not their abilities. So, while in Uganda there are many in positions of authority, the marketplace and in the Church who seem to lead well – insofar as they succeed, are paid a lot of money, and gain higher positions and prestige – at the same time, they may become corrupt or fall into various forms of sin, or face burnout and deep discouragement.

“The Greek word for authority, exousia, actually means “from [our] being,” suggesting that the ability to influence others flows from inside out and is rooted in what we are.” – David Roper

In other words, what is important is not what leaders DO but who leaders ARE. It is the inner character of the person that is foundational to successful leadership. There are those who may believe this can be achieved through self-will and hard work, but as Christians, we know that it is the power of the Gospel, the Word of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit in each of us that transforms our minds, motives and attitudes of the heart, as well as our habits and behaviors.

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)